REDEEMED PURPOSE But what we want to do is make the most of these gifts in order to fulfill our “redeemed purpose.” The strengths or personalities or talents or intellect or “design” instilled within us by God at conception are permanent, irrevocable gifts as part of our Imago Dei or “God nature.” So each individual has been granted the gift of life by God and provided with vibrant, dynamic qualities and unique gifts and abilities and a personality; again, all given by God Himself for a purpose, a destiny. Some people never surrender their hearts God. Therefore they never fulfill their destiny in life…to glorify God and advance God’s Kingdom on earth. Nonetheless, they may utilize God’s gifts for other purposes in life. They may become “successful” according to the world’s view because they effectively capitalized on their God-given abilities. For example, someone with leadership qualities may develop their gifts and become a successful political or business or other type of leader. It is natural for them. Let me return to our man, the Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament. Recall how he effectively used his God-given gifts of zeal, leadership, and communication skills as part of his “God nature” to rise to higher ranks within the Jewish religious hierarchy. In the world’s eyes, he was exceedingly successful. Furthermore, he was continuing to advance. Most would expect him to land one of the premier and most prestigious positions possible. So, you tell me, was he, in actual fact, successful? To further his present selfish cause and, more than likely, gain more notoriety he took it upon himself to crush this new religious cult called “the Way.” They were followers of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth and were rapidly gaining converts from the Jews. So he used his God-given abilities in a struggle against our Lord and Savior Himself, the Provider of His gifts and success. Quite ironic, don’t you think? Even though Paul was exercising his abilities for a purpose, it was definitely not thus far for God’s redeemed purpose. You can see why, in a way, Jews in that day might have used Paul as an example of someone who flourished in life by utilizing his strengths to succeed. In a way, he was fulfilling his general purpose by capitalizing on his strengths but certainly not for his redeemed purpose. When Paul was knocked from his horse while on the Damascus Road and heard the voice of Christ Himself, he soon became extremely familiar with his redeemed purpose. His gifts of passion, fervor, or zeal along with his gifts of communication or public speaking along with his intensity and leadership qualities along with other gifts would now being rightly exercised for the express purpose of glorifying God and spreading the good news of a risen Savior. This is what I mean by redeemed purpose. It is our fullest, richest, most abundant life possible. It is the fulfillment of our destiny. It results in satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment despite the world’s accusations. It results in the revelation of God’s glory and the establishment of God’s Spiritual Kingdom. It makes an impact on the world…in whatever we are doing.

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